"Brethren"
Relative of Historic Printer Pays Visit Temple Tour A recent visitor to Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, was Mrs. Lloyd Lundin of Grand Island, Nebraska, a descendant of Bro. John Dunlap, her greatgreat-grandfather. Bro. Dunlap, who was entered in Lodge No. 2 on November 8, 1768, was the first printer of the Declaration of Independence.
Long Life Blessed with long life and good health, Bro. Samuel Paul, Excelsior Lodge No. 491, Philadelphia, celebrated his tOOth birthday in October 1975. Born in County Derry, Ireland, Bro. Paul came to the United States when he was 18, becoming an American citizen in 1898. Associated with the Philadelphia Police Department for many years, Bro. Paul was made a Mason in April 1938 at age 59. His only son, Bro. William J. Paul was Worshipful Master of Excelsior Lodge in 1943.
Five Generations of Gideons Bro. Edwin H. Gideon. of Louis Wagner Lodge No. 715, Philadelphia , claims the largest Masonic "family," covering five generations. His father, Bro. George D. Gideon, Jr., was a Member of St. Alban Lodge No. 539; his grandfather, Bro. George D. Gideon, was a Member of Potter Lodge No. 441; hi~ great-grandfather. Bro. Edward Gideon. was a Member of Rising Star Lodge No. 126: his greatgreat-grandfather, Bro. George Gideon, was a Member of Concordia Lodge No. 67, and his great-great-great-grandfather Bro. Jacob Gideon, was a Member of Lodge No. 9. All the Lodges menTHE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON Distribution Office MASONIC HOMES Elizabethtown, Pa. 17022 (Send FORM 3579 to Above Address)
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tioned are Philadelphia Lodges. Bro. Gideon, recently retired as a Principal with the Philadelphia School District after 40 years.
The PENNSYLVANIA
FREE1VIASON
Returned Jewel
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF
A Past Master's Jewel was returned to Dallas Lodge No. 396, Easton, Pa., by Bro. Joseph A. Babor of Saint Johns Lodge No. 2, A.F. & A.M., Middletown, Connecticut. He had purchased an antique desk . While moving it, a "secret compartment" opened and revealed a black leather case containing a beautiful engraved Past Master's Jewel that had been presented to "Bro. William E. Howell, P.M., by Dallas Lodge No. 396, F. & A. M .. of Easton, Pa., Dec. 27, 1900." Bro. Babor polished the jewel and returned it to Dallas Lodge.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF PENNSYLVANIA
Legion of Merit Bro. James Calvin Gibbs, Lafayette Lodge No. 652, Carnegie, was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal, one of our nation's highest peacetime awards. Bro. Gibbs. a Colonel in the United States Air Force, recently retired after 28 years' service. He was cited for meritorious service as Director of Communications for the 26th Air Division at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Long Climb for Emblem Bro. Arthur Hackathorn was just one of 108 Members of Corinthian Lodge No. 573, Millvale, Allegheny County, to attend the Stated Meeting on October 10, 1975, and purchased his 1976 Masonic Lapel Emblem. He climbed to the third floor Lodge Room and claimed he wasn't "puffing." Bro. Hackathorn Second Class POSTAGE PAID AT Elizabethtown Pennsylvania
Bro. Richard J. Whitcomb, left, Past Master and now Tyler of Mahanoy City Lodge No. 357, was honored with a testimonial on his fiftieth anniversary as a Past Master. He was Raised in 1920. Bro. Gregory L. Christ, right, District Deputy Grand Master, 58th Masonic District, is presenting a gavel that was given to the Lodge in honor of Bro. Whitcomb.
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1976
NUMBER 2
Grand Master Urges Bicentennial Participation By John L. McCain R. W. Grand Master Masons, families and friends are urged to attend at least one of the four special Bicentennial activities sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Each activity is different-and all dedicated to those Godfearing men who were responsible for the beginning Qf this great nation. The dates are: June 12, Coudersport June 26, Ligonier July 24, Masonic Homes October 9, Valley Forge Details on each program are outlined in this issue of the Pennsylvania Freemason. We, as Masons, are thankful for the fact that many of the founders of this nation were M.,sons. We are thankful, too, that the "Well-Springs of Freemasonry" had such a soJid, meaningful beginning. Bro. Benjamin Franklin, articulate and witty, spoke often in defense of the greatness of the Constitution of this Nation.
will be 100 years old on November 6. He was entered on September 13, 1935 at age fifty-nine.
Another Centenarian An addition to the list of centenarians is Bro. Clinton Tames Hahn of Lodge No. 61, Wilkes-Barre. Bro. Hahn, born February 19, 1876, received his Symbolic Degrees in 1901, making him one of Pennsylvania's oldest living Ma· sons. Bro. Hahn is a relative of Bro . Harry E. Hahn. Past Master of Fort Washington Lodge No. 308.
At a public gathering, a man once approached Bro. Franklin and shouted: "Aw-them words don't mean nuthin a-tall. Where's all the happiness you· say it guarantees?" Bro. Franklin, peeking over his framed glasses, smiled and replied: "My friend, the Constitution only guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. "You have to catch it yourself." I hope that all Masons catch the spirit of 1976. Be aware of our Country and our Fraternity. Let us realize what those men did in Philadelphia, by the light of candles, to give us the foundation of our great country. We must be vigilant and determined that those who think otherwise must not he given the opportunity to succeed in their endeavor. It wasn't easy in Philadelphia. Don't blow out the candles too soon at this birthday celebration. Keep them burning to light the way for our Country and Fraternity into the years ahead.
Bro. William A. Carpenter R. W. Grand Secretary
New Horizons For Patton
Masonic Homes Has Opening For Stall Medical Doctor
Junior and Senior High School Students Now Accepted
The Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown is seeking to employ a fulltime medical doctor to fill its staff of three doctors at the Masonic Health Care Center. The position includes a home, pension and other liberal fringe benefits. Those interested should contact the Executive Director, Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown.
A tremendous broadening of horizon& for boys in the Patton Masonic School at Elizabethtown, Pa ., will get under way this fall, and the advantages are being extended to seventh and eighth graders for the first time. For 52 years, the boarding school has provided lodging, meals and a high school education, all free of charge, for boys who have lost one or both parents through death. This will continue, but academic, vocational, social and athletic oppor· tunities for the young men will be greatly expanded. They will take academic courses at junior high and high school levels in Elizabethtown public schools and technical training in area vocational-technical schools. The change
Quarterly Communication In Philadelphia Temple
POSTMASTER: Please Include Complete Imprint of Address on Your Postal Return Clipping.
MAY
VOLUME XXIII
The Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, in Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia.
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will provide a much greater variety of courses, both academic and technical, plus an impressive increase in shvp facilities. The only course still to be taught at Patton under the new system will be a required program of religious study which includes: The Old Testament, The Gospels, The Epistles and Comparative Religions. The Patton trustees have decided that the earlier a boy enters the school, the greater his likelihood of fully develop· ing his potential. Consequently, applications now will be considered from boys as young as 12 who have success· fully completed the sixth grade and Continued on Page 4